The Chiefs have cemented themselves as the team to beat after defeating the Crusaders 35-19 in Christchurch.
The visitors stormed home in the second half to stun the Crusaders and take the victory.
Flanker Tom Christie scored the opener after a lovely 50-22 from Chay Fihaki.
It turned into a penalty of attrition as both sides lost big players, with Will Jordan (knee), Daniel Rona and Brodie McAlister (both HIA) all came from the field in the first half.
Lock Scott Barrett settled the Crusaders to give them a 12 point lead before his partner Antonio Shalfoon got in on the action.
Staring at a 16-point deficit, the Chiefs turned the game before and after the break.
Emoni Narawa started the onslaught right before half-time after touching down two minutes after the siren.
The momentum carries well into the second half as Damian McKenzie dummied and scored.
When Leroy Carter broke free for a stunning solo try, suddenly the Chiefs found themselves in front.
It’s a lead they wouldn’t give up.
Two further penalties from Damian McKenzie etched the lead out beyond a converted try.
Number eight Wallace Sititi then sealed the win with a trademark burst from close to ensure victory for the visitors.
It leaves the Chiefs clear in front with a four point deficit, although have played one more game than the Crusaders.
Rob Penney’s men must look to rebound against the NSW Waratahs next week as they seek to keep in touch with top place.
Chiefs 35 (Tries: Narawa, McKenzie, Carter, Sititi; Cons: McKenzie 3; Pens: McKenzie 3) def Crusaders 19 (Tries: Christie, Barrett, Shalfoon; Cons: Reihana 2)
Crusaders: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Chay Fihaki, 13 Braydon Ennor, 12 David Havili (captain), 11 Sevu Reece, 10 Rivez Reihana, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Christian Lio-Willie, 7 Tom Christie, 6 Cullen Grace, 5 Antonio Shalfoon, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 Ioane Moananu, 17 George Bower, 18 Seb Calder, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Corey Kellow, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 James O’Connor, 23 Dallas McLeod.
Chiefs: 15 Shaun Stevenson, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Daniel Rona, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Naitoa Ah Kuoi, 3 George Dyer, 2 Brodie McAlister, 1 Ollie Norris.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Aidan Ross, 18 Reuben O’Neill, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Xavier Roe, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Gideon Wrampling.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe
Assistant referees: Jackson Henshaw, Warwick Lahmert
TMO: Glenn Newman
